the adolescent brain€¦ · merton education wellbeing service january 20, 2020 . agenda •...
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The Adolescent Brain
Sara Rosenthal
Merton Education Wellbeing Service
January 20, 2020
Agenda
• Puberty vs Adolescence
• Brain Basics- the development of the brain during adolescence
• Stages of development in adolescence
• Social and Emotional Development
• Communication-Talking with your teen
• Sleep
• Questions??
Puberty vs Adolescence
Puberty:
Physical maturation and
changes in the body
Adolescence:
Psychological and social
maturation
Under Development
Teens and
Decision Making
Brain development has an
impact on how teens make
decisions (not just the
decisions they make).
Neuroplasticity- Pruning and Remodelling
Dr Dan Siegel
Role of Parenting in Adolescence
Hopes Fears
Stages of Adolescence
• Early adolescence- ages 9-13
• Increased “negative attitude”
• Increased dissatisfaction in being treated as a “child”
• More “bored” and restless—may be less interested in activities
they may have been interested when younger
• May feel things are “unfair” regarding demands and limit setting
• May resist authority – questioning, arguing, non-compliance
• Experimentation- which may include some risky behaviors
Stages of Adolescence
• Middle adolescence- ages 13-15
• Increased conflicts about social independence and freedom
• May lie more often (omission or commission) either to do something
(which they may not be allowed to do), or to get out of trouble
• May feel more peer pressure including to engage in risky behaviors i.e.
alcohol or substance or social media
Stages of Adolescence
• Late adolescence- ages 15-18
• Increased independence overall- may have part time job, more
social freedom. . .
• More significant emotional involvement in relationships including
romantic ones
• May have sadness and worry about next steps- separating from
friends and family or being worried about if they are ready for
more independence i.e. work/uni…
Social Emotional
Development of
Teens
Adolescents are in
transition- not children
and not adults
.
Communication and Conflict
Conflict is normal and often linked to the demands and
requirements for adolescents to find their wings and for
parents to let them fly.
What you say? ….What they hear?
No you cannot go to that party!
You don’t trust me.
Do you have your keys
(phone/oystercard)?
You think I am a child
Have you done your homework?
You are not responsible
Communication
• Ask open ended questions- how are you? You seem a bit upset
do you want to talk?
• Be curious- avoid assuming or pre-judging
• If they have made a “bad” decision- ask them how they felt about
the outcome? And LISTEN. Everyone learns from the decisions
they make throughout life and teens are not different. Even
negative decisions can be learning moments.
• Pick your battles
Connection:
Empathy vs Sympathy
Empathy leads to connection
• Perspective taking
• Not judging
• Recognizing emotions in others and
communicating this recognition
Sympathy
• Feeling care and concern for someone
• Wanting them to feel better or
happier.
• Does not involve a shared perspective
or shared emotions.
STOP
Stop-- Your emotions may try to
make you act without thinking.
Stay in control!
Take a step back
Observe -What are your thoughts
and feelings?
Proceed thoughtfully, think about
how you are reacting and your
goal.
Biology of Sleep for Teens
• During adolescence the body’s internal biological clock changes.
• It is believed to be attributed to the brain hormone melatonin is
released later at night in adolescents (compared to in children or
adults).This is the hormone which makes people feel sleepy.
• Simultanously the lives of the teenager becomes busier--school,
activities, friends, family etc.
What happens when teens do not get
enough sleep ? • Decreased ability to self–regulate which can include: emotions,
impulses and overall mood.
• Increased risky behaviour
• Maybe increased risk of use of cigarettes, nicotine, drugs/alcohol
• Decreased concentration and focus may be more physically
restless.
Sleep Tips
Regular bedtime and wake up times. (even on weekends, even
with an hour or two of your regular schedule is good)
Exercise regularly but not right before bed..
Avoid caffeine. Also nicotine (smoking and vaping) can make a
person restless and interrupt sleep.
Dim the lights-light tells your brain to wake up (circadian rhythm).
Turn off electronics. Don't use your phone (including texting),
tablets, computer, or TV at least 1 hour before you go to bed.
Don't nap. Naps of more than 30 minutes during the day or too
close to bedtime may keep you from falling asleep later.
Create the right sleeping environment. Dark room and
temperature should be slightly cool.
Adjusting (and readjusting) expectations
Resources
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/talking-to-
your-teenager/
https://www.drdansiegel.com/uploads/Mindful.org article.pdf
https://mindedforfamilies.org.uk/
Resources
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/talking-to-
your-teenager/
https://www.drdansiegel.com/uploads/Mindful.org article.pdf
https://mindedforfamilies.org.uk/
Videos: Dr Sarah-Jayne Blakemore The adolescent brain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zVS8HIPUng
Books: Dr Dan Siegel-- Brainstorm
Resources
Videos:
Dr Sarah-Jayne Blakemore The adolescent brain
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6zVS8HIPUng
Dr. Dan Siegel- Neuroplasticity in the Brain
https://youtu.be/0O1u5OEc5eY
Dr. Brene Brown Empathy vs Sympathy
https://vimeo.com/315970767
Books: Dr Dan Siegel-- Brainstorm
Books: Dr Dan Siegel-- Brainstorm
https://youtu.be/0O1u5OEc5eY